Jared Lamborn 342 Crestview BLVD Commerce Township, MI 48390
March 10, 2011 Board of Directors Plymouth Canton Community Schools 12345 Joy Rd. Canton, MI, 48187
Board of Directors,
With the grand opening of the new school library quickly approaching, faculty, students, and parents have important decisions to make regarding the types of books and educational media to be implemented for use. We must ask ourselves, what types of materials will not only teach our children the core topics that current courses provide, but more importantly, what will help gain more perspective on their lives in the future. I strongly feel obligated to campaign for the book King Leopold’s Ghost to be added to the new school library. This non-fictional story is a historical account of actual events of the past focusing on two important issues. The first and most important spreads awareness to the exploitation of the African Congo and its natives. Second, this book shows the causes and consequences to colonial imperialism. King Leopold’s Ghost spreads awareness of crucial life lessons that every student and citizen should learn.
It is imperative as parents and teachers to educate our youth on the atrocities of the past to ensure the future of all types of people remain bright. King Leopold II used personal control of the Congo with labor-intensive industries serviced by slave labor, and the local peoples were forced to work through various means, including torture, imprisonment, maiming and terror. From real life examples such as this, a social construction of race was developed putting a stigma on all African Americans which we are still trying to eradicate.
By informing students of what has happened in the past, we can set up a positive framework for their future. King Leopold’s Ghost must be a book chosen to guide students into the future! Much more can be learned from this text. It is a great tool for teachers to use in teaching the initial stages of imperialism, colonialism, and the great scramble for Africa. Many lesson plans can be made as a wonderful tool for social studies. This book absolutely needs consideration of being added to the library.
Important decisions need to be made; decisions that can and will impact the lives of our students and children. In order for students to develop an understanding for the future, it is our job to expose them to the consequences of the past. King Leopold’s Ghost will show young learners the crucial life lessons that need to be learned. This book needs extreme consideration for implementation into the new school library.
342 Crestview BLVD
Commerce Township, MI 48390
March 10, 2011
Board of Directors
Plymouth Canton Community Schools
12345 Joy Rd.
Canton, MI, 48187
Board of Directors,
With the grand opening of the new school library quickly approaching, faculty, students, and parents have important decisions to make regarding the types of books and educational media to be implemented for use. We must ask ourselves, what types of materials will not only teach our children the core topics that current courses provide, but more importantly, what will help gain more perspective on their lives in the future. I strongly feel obligated to campaign for the book King Leopold’s Ghost to be added to the new school library. This non-fictional story is a historical account of actual events of the past focusing on two important issues. The first and most important spreads awareness to the exploitation of the African Congo and its natives. Second, this book shows the causes and consequences to colonial imperialism. King Leopold’s Ghost spreads awareness of crucial life lessons that every student and citizen should learn.
It is imperative as parents and teachers to educate our youth on the atrocities of the past to ensure the future of all types of people remain bright. King Leopold II used personal control of the Congo with labor-intensive industries serviced by slave labor, and the local peoples were forced to work through various means, including torture, imprisonment, maiming and terror. From real life examples such as this, a social construction of race was developed putting a stigma on all African Americans which we are still trying to eradicate.
By informing students of what has happened in the past, we can set up a positive framework for their future. King Leopold’s Ghost must be a book chosen to guide students into the future! Much more can be learned from this text. It is a great tool for teachers to use in teaching the initial stages of imperialism, colonialism, and the great scramble for Africa. Many lesson plans can be made as a wonderful tool for social studies. This book absolutely needs consideration of being added to the library.
Important decisions need to be made; decisions that can and will impact the lives of our students and children. In order for students to develop an understanding for the future, it is our job to expose them to the consequences of the past. King Leopold’s Ghost will show young learners the crucial life lessons that need to be learned. This book needs extreme consideration for implementation into the new school library.
Sincerely yours,
Jared Lamborn